ONE of Wales' most distinctive buildings celebrates its fifth birthday this week.

ONE of Wales' most distinctive buildings celebrates its fifth birthday this week.

The landmark St David's Hotel & Spa has been the dominant feature in the spectacular Cardiff Bay waterfront since being officially opened in January, 1999.

A member of the Rocco Forte Hotel group of luxury five-star hotels throughout Europe, the St David's has brought new standards of luxury to the South Wales hotel market.

With an increasing market share, year-on-year, the hotel has become the natural choice for celebrities, sports stars, business people and guests needing to be in the Welsh capital for work or pleasure and also for people that have opted to relax in one of Europe's finest hotel spas.

Jason Harding, who took over as general manager of The St David's Hotel & Spa in December 2003, believes the hotel, recently described as a "gleaming post-modern world-class landmark," has become one of the best-known buildings in Wales.

"Thanks to highly distinctive architecture and arguably one of finest and most exciting locations in the country, the hotel has become one of the symbols of the new Wales," he said. "I honestly do not think it is an exaggeration to say The St David's is an icon in the bay side redevelopment. Early sceptics that questioned whether Wales had the capacity or skill levels to support a five-star hotel of this standard quickly disappeared.

"They made way for a generation of guests and admirers that recognise Sir Rocco Forte's vision of Cardiff Bay and the hotel was well-founded," added Mr Harding.

Sir Rocco was persuaded to open the new hotel by the former Cardiff Bay Development Corporation, chaired by Sir Geoffrey Inkin, and with the help of the Wales Tourist Board. "I am told that Sir Geoffrey in particular was a fantastic ambassador for the new Cardiff that was emerging in the 1990s. Luckily for the city, that enthusiasm for Cardiff was soon shared by Sir Rocco."